Roswell Rotary is proud to announce its collaboration with the City of Roswell to once again host the 9-11 Memorial Service on September 11, 2018 in Roswell, Georgia. The service will be held at the Mike Gann 9-11 memorial by Roswell Area Park’s lake beginning at 8:30 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the service will be moved indoors to the main recreation building. The public is invited to attend this most important memorial service.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Travis Ellis. Travis is a Georgia native, business owner, community leader and civilian patriot. He works with wounded veterans and is working to help stop vet suicides. These vets were wounded in a war that was started with the 9-11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers 17 years ago. His admiration, profound respect and dedication to veterans began when he was a kid, hanging out with his grandfather, and best friend, a World War II veteran. He heard stories of humility, selflessness and bravery that he never forgot.
Travis wanted to make a lasting difference in the lives of veterans returning from post 9/11 wars with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In 2014, Travis co-founded Shepherd’s Men, a volunteer group that supports the Atlanta Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative, a nationally recognized rehabilitation program for veterans with TBI and PTSD – dedicated to saving lives.
Shepherd’s Men are known for their grueling long distance, multi-city runs, plus other activities, to raise awareness of the veteran suicide rate of 22 per day. They have run thousands of miles with 22-93 pound flak jackets and rucksacks, symbolizing the mental and physical hardships many veterans experience after returning from combat. This group has raised more than $3.2 million for the SHARE program.
Travis was honored in March, 2017 by the Recipients of the Medal of Honor to receive the Citizen Honors Award for his tireless efforts with the Shepherd’ Men, the highest recognition a civilian can receive. He also received the Georgia National Guard’s Minuteman Award and is affiliated with Georgia Sons of the American Revolution and The Clyde Thomason Marine Corp League Detachment. In addition to all this, Travis runs Mobilized Fuels, a petroleum distribution company, and enjoys time off with his wife and three children.
In addition to the keynote speaker, Roswell Mayor Lori Henry will speak on behalf of the City. Police Chief Rusty Grant, Fire Chief Ricky Burnette, Jackson Kell, son of Rotary 9-11 Chair, Dwayne Kell, and Marine 1st Sgt Walter Marques will lay the wreaths. Master of ceremonies will be retired radio personality Moby Carney.
